Lyness "Praz" Praznik's Obituary
“The Usual Requirement”
Lyness Elroy Praznik–beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather–passed away February 25, 2022. Lyness was born May 6, 1950, and resided nearly all his life in Longview, Texas.
A hard-working man, Lyness was a welder for over fifty years. He also enjoyed outdoor activities, studying history, and, most of all, spending time with those he loved. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe Praznik and Ollie Mae Garlington; Sisters Betty Praznik, Patsy Denney, Laurel Mae “Polly” Denney, and Doris Hardy; and Brother Michael Bartlett.
He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Wanda (Cost) Praznik; Children Melony Rodriguez and husband Joe of Longview, Tx; Mark Cooke and wife Tonya of Russellville, Ky; and Reagan Praznik of Tyler, Tx; family friend and claimed, adopted daughter, Jessica Rose of Whitehouse, Tx; Grandchildren Erin Rodriguez, Jordan Bryan, Alyson Bryan, Joseph Rodriguez, Gatlin Cooke, Michael Ford, and Ridge Cooke; Brothers MC “Buddy” Praznik and Charles Bartlett; twin sister Linda Ketchum and sister Debra Stoddard, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
A public viewing will be held Monday February 28th, 2022 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Rader Funeral Home, Longview, Tx.
Memorial services will be at Rader Funeral Home chapel on Tuesday March 1, 2022 at 2:00pm.
Interment will follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery.
“The Real Deal”
“Praz” left this world February 25, 2022 because the Lord needed his right-hand man to come home. Lyness spent seventy-one years on this earth “sprinkling a little love “everywhere he went. He enjoyed making sure others were taken care of and leaving them with a smile after each encounter. He loved his zero-turn mower and probably would have driven it around town had it been legal to do so. He enjoyed learning about history and how things have come to be in this world. He liked to tinker around–painting, planting, and cooking. The motto “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” was likely created just for Lyness, as he found potential in all the treasures that he came across.
His ”Kuvie Bear” Wanda was his number one love. Lyness dedicated forty-five years to making her laugh, showing her love, and taking care of all her wants and needs.
His children “Fat-Boy”, “Muff”, and “Big Do” were blessed with the most loving dad that had their back at any cost.
His grandkids: Erin, Spud, Alycat, Booger, G, Mikey, and Mr. Ridgie were all his number one littlest fans. These children knew Lyness to be their silliest, gift-giving, full-of-surprises best friend and confidant.
Lyness will be missed more than words will ever be able to describe. He left this world a better place for having had him in it. To all that knew him, consider yourself blessed for he truly was an angel on earth.
What’s your fondest memory of Lyness?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lyness?
Share a story where Lyness' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lyness you’ll never forget.
How did Lyness make you smile?
